Taylor Swift has donated £23,000 to help a young student fulfill her dream of going to university.
Vitoria Mario, 18, from London, moved to the UK from Portugal four years ago, but despite scooping top grades in her A-levels she is not eligible to apply for a maintenance loan or grant.
The teen, who dreams of being a mathematician, left school with two A*s and an A, and won a place at Warwick University.
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Unable to fund the course herself, she decided to set up a GoFundMe page to help raise the fees, amounting to £40,000 for accommodation, equipment and living costs over four years.
Vitoria was just approaching the halfway mark when Taylor stepped in to pay the remaining amount, writing: "Vitoria, I came across your story online and am so inspired by your drive and dedication to turning your dreams into reality. I want to gift you the rest of your goal amount. Good luck with everything you do! Love, Taylor."
Explaining her plight, Vitoria said: "My name is Vitoria Mario, and I am a young Black 18 year old with a dream.
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"I have received a conditional offer to study Mathematics (MMath) at the prestigious University of Warwick. I have already attained AABB at AS Level and I have recently achieved A*A*A in my A-Levels in Maths, Further Maths and Physics, respectively.
"However, I am still in a position of uncertainty as I may not be able to attend university due to my circumstances. I have lived in the U.K. for 4 years now, after migrating from Portugal to live with family in Tottenham.
"The socio-economic barriers of not being eligible for maintenance loans/grants is due not only to not having 'Home' status, but also because my family are low income, and unable to help me self-fund through university.
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"Sadly, my father has passed away, and my mother remains in Portugal. Moving away from her was a challenge but it was a sacrifice worth being made, in my family's eyes. 'If you can get a university education in the UK, you will be set apart for life'".
She added: "Though my story is not unique, my dream of becoming a Mathematician is not only a chance at social mobility for my family and I, but to inspire people who have been in similar positions to aspire to be the best version of themselves and strive for their dreams despite gender/racial inequality, immigration issues and financial barriers."
Featured Image Credit: Vitoria MarioTopics: London